Gecom should immediately remove all those officials tainted by fraud

Dear Editor,

I agree with Sean Ori in his missive `These electoral officers are innocent until proven guilty’ (SN Nov 3). That is the nature of jurisprudence in democracies. But as the editor commented in the editor’s note to the letter, while their cases are before the court, this does not preclude Gecom from investigating their behaviour and taking appropriate disciplinary actions against them if warranted. That is a normal course of action of any agency or corporation, private or public.

Electoral fraud is a serious offence. It seeks to undermine the system of choosing a government. The charges of fraud against the  Gecom accused are not mere allegations. Their actions in committing electoral fraud were publicly and transparently observed by the media, diplomatic corps and international observers. The evidence against them is overwhelming. Nevertheless, they must have their day in court as per our juridical system.

However, in any democratic country, the accused would have resigned or stepped aside while their case is heard in a court. Failing that, they would have been removed by the head of the agency or company from their positions till the matter is heard in court. Neither action has been undertaken in Guyana in the electoral fraud matter.  It is inexplicable why the Gecom chair or the commission has not taken that step.

Also, in any job, there is a performance review or rating of staff for continuation in office. As an educator, for example, my performance was evaluated annually and I could have faced suspension if found unsatisfactory and required to take corrective action. I could also have lost my licence as an educator if my rating was unsatisfactory for two continuous years. (In other words fired from my job for incompetence or wrongdoings). Surely, the performance of Gecom staff would (should) have been evaluated. That needs to be urgently done if not already conducted and appropriate actions taken against them. Gecom cannot afford to have mediocre performance or anyone involved in electoral fraud on staff. Unless disciplined, staff would continue to under-perform or misbehave in office or engage in fraud. Examples must be made of them. They should have been terminated months ago if not right after March 2 or after they were caught in the act of fraud.

Guyana cannot afford to go into an election with the same electoral fraud accused running the affairs of Gecom. Everyone who was fingered as a participant in fraud (electoral and otherwise) must be removed from Gecom. They must be disciplined now in order to commence the preparation for LGE 2021.

And like Sean Ori and SN (editorial of Nov 2), almost everyone I spoke with feel LGE 2021 should not be delayed. Instead, Gecom’s fraud accused and others who were partisan or fraud tainted should be removed forthwith. Preparation should begin for the election. The government should provide Gecom with all the necessary human, technical and financial resources to reform and cleanse the election body so that it can hold untainted and credible elections.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram